In the Classroom

In this engaging episode of our Constitution Hall Pass webcast, explore what the Constitution says about how the American government manages its money. Learn why it was so important for our young nation to raise cash quickly, and how Alexander Hamilton came up with a plan to create a national bank—despite a debate about whether the Constitution gave the government the power to do so. We’ll pay a visit to the First Bank of the United States to see what its architecture reveals about how the bank was supposed to function. We’ll also find out when, how, and why the Constitution was amended to allow the federal government to impose an income tax, and learn where those tax dollars go today. Don’t forget to use our great discussion questions before and after you watch the episode! Live Chat: April 18, 2017, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. EDT

Produced by the National Constitution Center, Constitution Hall Pass is a free, fun, and fascinating webcast and live chat series. Tune in online at constitutioncenter.org/hallpass.

At the Center

Join the Center for Tax Day to make sense of the nation’s dollars and cents, and explore the history and significance of taxation in America.

Make and Take Stations
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Grand Hall Lobby
Design your own dollar bills or piggy banks.

Constitution Hall Pass: “Dollars and Sense: Tax Day” Video
9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Main Lobby
In this engaging episode of our Constitution Hall Pass webcast, explore what the Constitution says about how the American government manages its money. Learn why it was so important for our young nation to raise cash quickly, and how Alexander Hamilton came up with a plan to create a national bank—despite a debate about whether the Constitution gave the government the power to do so. We’ll pay a visit to the First Bank of the United States to see what its architecture reveals about how the bank was supposed to function. We’ll also find out when, how, and why the Constitution was amended to allow the federal government to impose an income tax, and learn where those tax dollars go today.

Produced by the National Constitution Center, Constitution Hall Pass is a free, fun, and fascinating webcast and live chat series. Tune in online at constitutioncenter.org/hallpass.